Are there any free financial counseling services?
For many Calgary residents facing debt or planning a budget, free financial counseling is the first step toward financial stability. There are several non-profit organizations and municipal programs in the city and region that offer confidential, skilled, and free assistance with budgeting, debt management, savings, and family financial planning. Below is a detailed overview of the main providers and their services.
1. Credit Counselling Society (No More Debts)
Address: Suite 115, 1925 18 Avenue NE, Calgary, AB Phone: 1-888-527-8999
Website: https://nomoredebts.org/canada-credit-counselling/alberta/calgary
Credit Counselling Society is one of Canada's leading non-profit organizations, providing free credit and debt counselling services since 1996. The following services are available to Calgary residents:
- Confidential one-on-one counselling with a qualified counselor
- Assistance in developing a realistic budget and debt repayment plan
- Debt consolidation through Orderly Payment of Debts (OPD) with no additional fees
- Programs to stop interest and collection calls
- Support in exploring alternatives to bankruptcy
The majority of clients (95%) receive basic counseling completely free of charge; fees apply only if you voluntarily enroll in a paid debt resolution program.
2. Money Mentors Alberta
Contact: 1-888-294-0076 (phone), https://moneymentors.ca Coverage area: all of Alberta, including Calgary
Money Mentors is a non-profit agency with 25 years of experience providing free financial counseling. The following services are available to Calgary residents:
- Free consultations with a certified credit counselor
- Financial audit of expenses and income, development of a personalized debt resolution plan
- Explanation of Orderly Payment of Debts (OPD) programs for inclusion of government debts (taxes, student loans)
- Online or telephone support – convenient for busy clients
All consultations are confidential and require no upfront payment.
3. Connections for Families – Financial Coaching
Address: various locations within Calgary Website: https://connectionsforfamilies.ca/services/financial-coach/
The Financial Coaching program, part of the FCSS partnership, provides low-income adults with up to five free one-on-one sessions with a financial coach. Key elements:
- Budgeting and expense tracking
- Support with tax planning and filing
- C.A.S.H. goal: a 3:1 matched savings program
- Individualized approach, including support for Indigenous people
Services are designed to increase financial literacy and independence for families.
4. Momentum Community Economic Development
Address: 911 16 Ave NE #200, Calgary, AB Phone: 403-272-9323 Website: https://momentum.org/programs/financial-coaching
Momentum offers free financial counseling for low-income adults in Calgary and surrounding areas. The program includes:
- Up to five individual sessions with a financial coach
- Tools for budgeting, setting and achieving savings goals
- Practical resources for managing debt and unexpected expenses
- Support through financial literacy workshops and webinars
Participants receive support from their first consultation through to the implementation of their financial plan.
5. Municipal and state resources
- Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) Calgary: coordinates funding for local non-profit organizations, including Connections for Families and other financial support programs.
- 211 Alberta (section “Financial Supports – Money Management”): a hotline and web platform for finding the nearest free or low-cost financial services in Calgary.
- Calgary Legal Guidance (through FCSS): periodic free legal clinics that include information on financial planning and fraud protection.
Comparison table of major free providers
| Organization | Services | Format of consultations | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Counselling Society | Budgeting, debt counseling, OPD | Phone, online, office | 95% of clients served free of charge; 25 years of experience |
| Money Mentors Alberta | Credit counseling, OPD | Phone, video, office | Includes government debt (taxes, education); 25+ years of practice |
| Connections for Families | Financial coaching, matched savings (C.A.S.H.) | Office sessions | FCSS partnership, 3:1 match, up to 5 sessions |
| Momentum | Financial coaching, budgeting, savings | Office, online sessions | Program for low-income individuals, Indigenous community support |
| 211 Alberta | Calgary Financial Services Directory | Online, phone | One of the largest databases of free and low-cost services |
How to choose the right service
- Assess your needs. If the problem is high interest rates and calls from debt collectors, choose Credit Counselling Society or Money Mentors.
- Schedule and format. National organizations are convenient for online consultations; for in-person support, try Connections for Families or Momentum.
- Specialized assistance. Families with disabilities or Indigenous clients can find support at Connections for Families and Momentum.
- Local initiatives. Use 211 Alberta and FCSS to find additional free events, workshops, and exceptional programs.
With a wide range of free programs available in Calgary, everyone can get professional financial support regardless of their income or debt status. Regular consultations with credit counselors, financial coaches, and support through municipal platforms help you create a realistic budget, reduce interest expenses, and develop a plan to achieve your financial goals. Choosing the most appropriate service will allow you to find a personalized solution and pave the way to financial confidence.